Blog – Page 110 – Racheli Refael

28 Aug 2019

Case-Shiller: June Home Prices Grew at Slowest Pace in 12 Years

Market Outlook

Home price growth continued to slow in June according to Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index. 17 cities reported higher home prices in June, but three cities reported lower home prices month-to-month. Seattle, Washington was the only city to report lower home prices year-over-year in June. Phoenix, Arizona Home Price Growth Highest in June Phoenix, Arizona toppled Last Vegas, Nevada's hold on first place for home price growth in June. According to Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index, home prices in Phoenix rose by 5.80 percent year-over-year in June. Las Vegas, Nevada followed closely with year-over-year home price growth of 5.50 percent. Tampa, Florida had the third highest rate of home price growth…

27 Aug 2019

By Mortgage Blog Content

Should You Relocate A House To Improve Its Value?

Real Estate

What can be done with a house that is just perfect but it is in a bad neighborhood or a dangerous spot? Think about homes that are in decent condition; yet, too close to the water. America is experiencing flooding now that is not supposed to happen in 500 years. That cute little beach bungalow could easily get wiped out in the next hurricane. It might be time to think about moving those homes to a safer area or higher ground. The International Association of Structural Movers says that around 8,000 homes are moved each year in America. Relocation may be due to hazards, such as the erosion of an oceanfront…

26 Aug 2019

By Mortgage Blog Content

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 26th, 2019

Financial Reports

Last week's economic news included readings from the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index and July readings on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on initial jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. NAHB: Home Builder Sentiment Remains High According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence in housing market conditions rose one point to an index reading of 66 for August. Housing Market Index readings showed that builder sentiment has held steady with readings of 64 to 66; any reading over 50 indicates positive builder sentiment. Analysts said that despite strong readings for builder confidence in recent months, Commerce Department readings on housing…

23 Aug 2019

By Mortgage Blog Content

Tips On Making Friends In Your New Neighborhood

Real Estate

It's often harder to make friends as an adult than it is when you're a child. It's even more challenging to make adult friends when you move into a new neighborhood. You may feel like people already have their own group of friends and aren't looking to include newcomers. Of course, that's just an illusion. Here are some easy ways to implement tips for making friends in your new neighborhood. Put Out The Welcome Mat Make your front door inviting to the neighbors. Place some cheery flower pots near the porch and buy a nice welcome mat for the front door. Be sure to put fresh light bulbs in the porch…

22 Aug 2019

By Mortgage Blog Content

How To Maximize The Resale Value Of Your Home

Real Estate

There are a few things to consider, when selling a home, that will help you maximize your potential for a better sales price. Seasoned real estate professionals are one of your best resources for these tips. The Buyer's First Impression Is Emotional The first goal is to improve the buyer's first impression when they see photos or a video of the home, do a drive-by, or make an appointment to view the home. Work with a real estate agent on staging the home and pay particular attention to curb appeal. Staging means that a home has no clutter. Remove any personal items (family photos, toys, pets, etc.). Make closets less than…

21 Aug 2019

By Mortgage Blog Content

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Covenants, Codes and Restrictions?

Real Estate

There is a joke about gated communities that says the walls are not just there to keep the people out but to keep the residents in. Living in a gated community that is subject to the rules of a homeowners' association (HOA) can be a pleasant or a severely irritating experience, depending on the perspective a homeowner has about lifestyles. The Good, Bad, And Ugly About CC&Rs Gated and master-planned communities may have an HOA and also may have covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that are part of the property rights (or lack thereof) that a home buyer accepts when they buy a property in those neighborhoods. The developer records a…